I love my Bluetooth keyboard | Hacker News Reader

I love my Bluetooth keyboard

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164 pointsevakhoury171 comments

If you want a full size foldable keyboard with function keys and a trackpad, I can recommend the ProtoArc XK01[0]. This is a good enough keyboard that I use it as my main keyboard at home, and it's surprisingly cool to be able to just fold up your daily driver keyboard and take it with you.

[0] https://www.protoarc.com/products/xk01-tp-foldable-keyboard-...

I'm used to having a trackpad below the keyboard

So something like this[1] could be cool then. A actual thinkpad keyboard with touchpad, bluetooth, trackpoint and even a fingerprint reader.

[1] https://sharktastica.co.uk/keyboard-directory/GD2va1CX

It's not expensive either, just $46 (EUR. 41). Weirdly enough, they only sell/ship to the five biggest EU countries.

They have a direct link to buy from AliExpress

I tried to follow that link, but AliExpress only lists one product (a mouse jiggler) when I actually went to that website.

German Amazon should ship to me without additional costs but then I'd end up with QWERTZ...

Bol, coolblue, Amazon.Com.be or .nl all deliver to Germany. Actually I often do Amazon arbitrage, same coffee machine fun the same warehouse may be 200€ cheaper on Amazon.fr than in any German shop including amazon.de. and the Belgian store has less choice but often better prices. Makes no sense but true.

That brand doesn't sell their stuff on any of those websites. I have bought in Belgian and German web stores before, but I can't really do that if they refuse to show me their QWERTY product offering.

Most folding keyboards I've tried felt like travel compromises first and keyboards second

Yes, I would say this keyboard is notable specifically because it is one of the few travel keyboards that is truly at par with a real desktop keyboard. It's not perfect, but the benefits of "one keyboard everywhere" outweigh the flaws for me.

Thanks I have debated this https://www.bestbuy.com/product/lenovo-thinkpad-trackpoint-k... keyboard-on-the-go

For a similar reason.

I'm a big trackpoint fan and proud owner of an X1 Carbon Gen 7 Thinkpad, but I would not recommend this keyboard.

The build quality is pretty bad. Sometimes the keys fail to type and the keys' mushiness makes for an unsatisfying typing experience. I have two but this was after buying a total of 4 and returning the two defective ones.

If Lenovo were to replace the cheap feeling plastic casing for alumninum, it would be a game changer.

I'm hoping the new framework keyboard can become my new daily driver, replacing the trackpoint keyboards I currently use.

On which OS did you try it?

I use it on MacOS mainly, but I also switch it to my phone (Android) if I have to type something longer than a few words and it works well there.

Ok, thanks!

need one with a trackpoint-like nipple

Does the trackpad make any sense, if you're using it on a device which already has a touchscreen? I'm not saying that the touchscreen is convenient, but a touchpad is mostly as impractical, and makes the keyboard seem to huge.

Using a touchscreen when you have to hold up your arm is very tiring.

Interesting, but I'd prefer a version that's smaller by omitting the touchpad. (Well, I'd love to have a touchpad, but without physical mouse buttons it might as well not be there at all.)

Still waiting for the day when I can get rid of my work laptop and replace it with a phone entirely. Technically it's already possible, but it's just not practical until I can easily run docker containers on my phone. Also the samsung desktop mode is a bit underwhelming right now.

If this is not the default in the next decade I'm gonna riot. Hotels could replace the TV with a big computer screen and the corner chair with an office chair. Even a cheap hotel room could be an office without anyone having to bring their own toys with them. Just the phone in your pocket.

Though it might be a while before hotels start offering Aeron Classic chairs in their rooms.

I want this too, though I suspect the hard part is less compute and more the boring peripheral/ecosystem stuff

Mouse, keyboard and a screen would already cover the needs for most users. No need to wait until everything just works. As for the ecosystem, Apple’s Neo is a phone connected to a bunch of peripherals. Even on limited iPhone/iPad OS a more desktop like interface could easily be implemented. The iPad already has some half decent desktop approximation.

The hard part is getting Apple to cannibalize their desktop and tablet related sales. Because they’re the only ones with all the tools in the box. Samsung doesn’t have any proper OS of their own to take this role, they bolt it on Android.

Postmarketos can run the containers, however a 4k desktop environment is still a bit sluggish

I wish computing evolved to let thin desktops evolve into some screen + phone mount where the dock provides extra power, compute+GPU, screen and peripherals.

The problem is attaching a thunderbolt/network CPU with it's own memory doesn't work as well (although aren't external GPUs similar? external compute+memory).

The last thing I want is work following me wherever I go. I even have a separate phone for all the work-related stuff that I only take with me when absolutely necessary. Which is almost never except when I'm oncall.

Windows Phone let you do this with Continuum ten years ago: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/01/14/conti...

Like the rest of the WP ecosystem, never really took off enough.

I can't understand what exactly is in this dream you want to become true. It sounds like you want a portable device with physical keyboard, and reasonable screen size. Which is laptop.

I think it's about being able to take the portable device with you separately from the display and keyboard.

So you mean a Microsoft Surface 2 in 1?

I think that matches 2 out of 3 requirements:

Full general-purpose computer: Yes

Connects to external keyboard and display: Yes

Fits into pocket: No

JNCOs coming in clutch.

When good keyboard, and decent-sized screen are priorities, "fits into pocket" is (self-)deception as they presumably will be carried in a backpack anyway. In other words it's unwieldy laptop one part of which fits into pocket.

Alternative is to hope for keyboard and screen to be present at special places. Which however means that practical portability is very limited. Also it would affect security, personal ergonomics etc.

I think the "special places" use case is exactly what OC was talking about, office and home.

I assume it's something like mine. I want a phone I can dock and use as a desktop with a monitor and mouse/keyboard. That is just a phone when undocked.

We have reactive UIs and desktop mode on android. It's getting very close. I am not certain on the previous commentors reasons but I detest the many device game. A 500 dollar pixel 10a is a great computer and I would rather not buy another machine if I dont have to.

And if every iPhone was also a Mac when attached to a monitor and keyboard, monitors and keyboards would become entirely common - as with the hotel example.

My iPhone 15 Pro Max is more capable than a MacBook Neo; it’d be nice if it could be one.

So the Nintendo Switch model of PCs. I dig it, I dig it

Well, if you have BYOD policy consider yourself blessed. Many are simply not allowed to do whatever on their managed devices.

My recommendation is use OpenSSH (alternative: Wireguard, Tailscale for whole TCP/IP stack), tmux (or equivalent, there are alternatives such as zellij and rmux), and a keyboard (wired is more secure, YMMV). Then you have a thin client. Run Docker remotely, on a far more capable device than whatever your smartphone is. With Waydroid or another variant of remote Wayland you could even have the GUI part working.

I was able to do the above 5 years ago on Ubuntu and Arch. I am sure you can still do it nowadays.

One caveat. Don't do this in environments where you cannot auth in privacy. You must be able to trust your hardware, too. Don't bring this setup to e.g. China. You can put a strong password on your SSH private key, rotate it, and combine OTP/MFA.

Which leads me to say: I am puzzled how people can work in environments like coffeeshops, cafes, and I even see laptops used for work in swimming pool where I go weekly. Your screen can be viewed, recorded at all time, and I doubt the users are aware of that. Even passwords can be recorded.

Maybe rent a cheap VM for Docker?

I often think to myself when using my iPhone, there is no way I could get desktop work done with this. Can’t recall right now why I have said so but I think it had to do with keeping multiple apps open side by side.

For example this year I have been car shopping and I keep multiple windows open; this would be much harder on my iPhone. Maybe not so much an iPad.

You can run two apps in split screen on Android. Not sure about two separate browser windows at once though.

If you're willing to run stuff in a Linux VM in the cloud, I quite like exe.dev and the website is pretty mobile-friendly. Also, you can ask the AI to do stuff instead of typing it on the command line.

Just use a VPS

I leant Python on a Nokia N900, which ran a regular Linux with Xorg, ssh, etc.

You can still do this today with a Linux phone (e.g.: postmarketOS). Of course, a lot of your typical iOS apps won't run there (e.g.: Signal, Maps, etc), but you can't really run docker container on iOS (yet?).

If you really need all the usual iOS (or Android) apps maybe you just need two phones? Still lighter than a phone and a laptop.

Not long ago there was this dude here that made a typewriter from an old laptop by using text only Debian neovim and a few other tools which made me think, it's funny how something like a typewriter evolves to a personal computer only to.. de-volve? back to a typewriter.

I love my keyboards the same way my wife loves shoes. We can't get enough of them. Clicking on different switches feels like a constant dopamine flow and a lesson in paying attention. If you have no idea what I'm talking about I highly recommend you start trying mechanical switches.

> Not long ago there was this dude here ...

*dudette! https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48250144

>> If you have no idea what I'm talking about I highly recommend you start trying mechanical switches.

I recommend instead just buying one decent keyboard and using your money on something useful.

Why do you care? It’s a hobby like anything else.

I was about to recommend the excellent Plugable folding keyboard: https://plugable.com/products/bt-key3xl

I used it as a key part of my software engineer's writing toolkit for the first draft of a novel: https://frequal.com/forwriters/

Unfortunately the Plugable keyboard appears to be discontinued. Perhaps it can still be found used. It is quite impressive. It folds small for travel. The keys travel nicely. The case magnetically clicks into a phone stand. The battery lasts a month or longer. Truly a mechanical marvel.

I only wish I'd bought two.

Many for sale here $25-$35: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=plugable+folding+keyboa...

I haven't tried using it with my phone, but this Arteck one has served me well on my desktop PC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WDJNBT1

Interesting. That looks physically almost identical to the iClever BK05; I wonder if they're branded versions of the same underlying product?

I've just recently got a mechanical keyboard, after doing a workspace ergonomics assessment, and also cultural influence from various other developer friends, etc...

It's a Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) - looks like a split keyboard but it's one piece. It's excellent typing, has both wired (USB-C) and wireless (Bluetooth, probably also radio too? I don't use that) connectivity too. I don't normally use the LED lights, but occasionally they are fun...

It's heavy, so not portable like the one the author uses. Had something like that before, the portability was nice, but then didn't use it much. This is not (practically) portable, but still has all the flexibility, and it's a joy typing with it. I wouldn't go as far as I love a piece of euqipment, but I do look forward using it every day.

I do think more about keyboards as I use Mac, Linux, built in laptop keyboards, this stand alone one, etc... And because of the variety it's really hard to build up some muscle-memory. Ctrl, Option, Alt, Fn, ... basically all the extra keys beside the alphabet are slightly different in all systems. So it's more conscious typing than I'd hope for, but not toooooo bad (and it's not the keyboard's problem, I might have to look into remapping stuff, but it's not that level of pain yet).

Happy typing, everyone!

> It's heavy, so not portable like the one the author uses

My first mechanical keyboard was a das keyboard, which was also quite heavy, and it completely spoiled other keyboards for me.

I've tried quite a few others since in various configurations, but discovered if it doesn't feel like it's got a lead brick in it, I'm not interested.

I've looked at those and was considering buying one since I already own a K2 v1 which I love. But for the life of me I cannot understand why they switched from the 5-key layout on the rightmost vertical to a 4-key one. And Keychron are not the only ones, I've seen other manufacturers with the same layout, both Alice and regular 75%. Especially since there still is physical space for the missing key. This would allow direct access to home / end / pgup / pgdn. But now, one of them is missing, or delete is missing, etc.

Yeah, I've ended up mapping "M5" to "End" (so that "Home" has a counterpart). This current one still has the Ins/Del/PgUp/PgDn/Home for direct access, but certainly some of the lack is a head-scratcher.

The Q10 has been my daily driver for years, great keyboard. I see that they're coming out with a split alice [1] though sadly it seems it is only for the Chinese market

[1] https://www.guru3d.com/story/keychron-launches-z11-ultra-8k-...

I got a pocket-sized Bluetooth keyboard (also used for travel around Asia), 195mm x 85mm x 15mm, with a flap - NOT a foldable keyboard, though it does have a cover flap and a kickstand. Sold under a few brands, but the dimensions are quite specific. Mine was sold under a "Doohoeek" brand; "CACOE" is another. It doesn't have a touchpad, though.

Its size reminds me of my Psion Series 5 days many years ago. While it doesn't clamshell-mount my phone, my phone sits on the KB nicely, though it's still two things to carry around, not one (I miss the Psion still). I have bought loads of Bluetooth keyboards. Foldable keyboards have more parts to break and have to be unfolded to use them.

Previously I got the TECHGEAR Active Strike Pro MINI Slim (230mm x 149mm x 6mm), not pocket-sized, but it has a touchpad. The Geyes Foldable "tri-foldable" (223mm x 54mm x 18mm closed, 223mm x 170mm x 6mm open) got a broken hinge.

For comparison:

- Pocket keyboard ("Doohoeek", "CACOE", etc): 195 x 85 x 15 mm. Pocket-sized, flap/kickstand; no touchpad.

- TECHGEAR Active Strike Pro MINI Slim: 230 x 149 x 6 mm. Not pocket-sized; has touchpad.

- Geyes tri-foldable: 223 x 54 x 18 mm closed; 223 x 170 x 6 mm open. Foldable; hinge risk.

If you get an Android you can use termux and do literally anything. I like to write websites, write newsletters in vim and run a jekyll instance, transcode video with ffmpeg, etc.

Termux and DOSBox are great for running or writing software on a phone. I almost never resort to installing or writing apps anymore as that is just more cumbersome and has APIs that keep breaking (not to mention the threats from Google about making non-Play app deployment more regulated).

Termux for iOs might also be available, cursory searching suggests.

The iOS one is pretty much just an SSH client (and also seems like a different developer piggybacking off the name)

ish and a-Shell both give you a terminal and some sort of semblance of a Unix vm with package management.

Both good but nowhere near the termux ecosystem and integration

Termux on Android is truly phenomenal in its capabilities. Unfortunately, nothing even close to it exists on iOS. Termux from the App store is completely unrelated, and essentially a scam.

iOS doesn't allow for native code execution (or JIT compilers) in apps like Android does (they don't like anything that could be used for sideloading) so the termux equivalents are ridiculously slow. I tried using ffmpeg on someone's ipad one time and it went so slow (about 100 times slower) that I ended up launching a web server, downloading the file to my phone and running ffmpeg there and then transferring it back.

I think the remaining friction is mostly ergonomics and integration

I'd highly recommend the iClever BK05S. It's the same size as a normal laptop keyboard, so your fingers don't need to feel cramped. It lays flat and stable, it types well, it pairs easily, it charges with USB-C, and you can use it as a wired USB-C keyboard in a pinch.

Only problem is where to get it. Unavailable everywhere, spoke to the manufacturer on alibaba and they told me its EOL:( And if it breaks they probably won't repair it anyway.

It's a derivation of an old Kickstarter project: Jorno keyboard

I got the slightly smaller BK03 in Japan a few years back. I travel with it along with a mag-safe battery pack with a built-in kickstand, so that it forms a lovely typing setup even on a small cafe table.

An unexpected bonus is that the setup short-circuits a lot of reflexive app-switching and idle scrolling. With the phone propped up, I have to actually reach for the screen, so my thumbs don’t just wander from typing to home/app drawer gesture.

I found the BK03 too small to comfortably type on.

I used to have long conversations via text. Some friendships existed primarily via text. The move to touch screens destroyed that. It just doesn't work for some reason. Nobody wants to have a long conversation using their phones. I'm not sure if it's due to the keyboard per se. I think it's more because you take the phone with you everywhere rather than sit down specifically to have a conversation. I'm not going to just keep talking forever throughout my day, so without a special time and place, it just stops altogether.

At least with android devices, you can plug in any usb keyboard, and have it work. Those are free, in the garbage all over the place

You can do that with iPhone, too, using the (poorly named) "USB Camera Adapter", which splits out a USB type-A jack. (I assume you need a similar adapter on most Android phones, too, since I've never seen one with a type-A jack built in.)

reminds me the time i had an iPhone SE (1° gen) and i could play 1-3 minutes of garageband with my Korg keyboard using it and then it stopped saying my (adapter) wasn't offcial :) the official gadget in Brazil was > 10 times more expensive than the cheap copies

That message appears when the microprocessor in the cable crashes or hangs.

I don't think so. I think usb-c based phones don't need any type of active adapter.

For example, on usb-c iphones, I can plug my camera with a c-to-c cable in mass storage mode and it shows up. So I expect a dumb a-to-c adapter would work. On my lightning-based iphone, a c-to-lightning cable doesn't work.

I'd assume it's the same for androids and keyboards.

I can plug in the same USB-C dock I use for my Mac and everything just works on the android phone.

You even see the phone screen mirrored on the monitor, complete with mouse cursor etc.

The sad thing is it is just literal copy of the phone screen. It does not have a "desktop mode".

Can do the same with iPhone. Sending this from an iPhone 15 connected to the same dock + Logitech keyboard / mouse used for my MacBook.

Samsung DeX is pretty good but I think they're phasing it out.

I've used it while on holidays connected via HDMI to the TV in the hotel, with a bluetooth keyboard/mouse and it performed admirably.

The bonus being that typing properly works (the lag on Bluetooth drives me insane and often a key press is missed)

Or use scrcpy with the same keyboard you already have and save your neck some of the pain of staring down at your phone (as can be seen in the post).

> I really wish there was an alt+tab replacement for window switching in iOS.

On Android it's a simple Alt+Tab to switch between apps; press it to bring up the current apps, then Alt+Tab lets you cycle through them too. In general Android is much more keyboard friendly.

Apple only tries to satisfy mu +/- 1 sigma of people.

Cmd+Tab works on iOS on iPad, when keyboard is connected, not sure about iPhones

I do this with a Nuphy Air 60 v2. I 3d printed a custom slip case for it, to which I stuck a MagSafe sticker ring. I then carry a small MagSafe tripod attached to that.

Sit down, take the keyboard from the slip case, slide off the tripod, attach the phone and I’m good to go. Full QMK/VIA support, so I don’t have to go without my beloved home row mods etc. Blink terminal with Zellij for shared session persistence with my Mac at home. And since the Air v2 supports 4 wireless profiles (1 2.4ghz dongle and 3 BT), it’s the only keyboard I use - at home or otherwise.

> and use copy/paste

Also ctrl-z for undo! I recommend looking into Unexpected Keyboard for a virtual Qwerty with a control key.

Some of my friends who are really into keyboard nerding look at me funny but I've been on K400 Plus for like half a decade by now. It fits in a bag and costs like 30-40 bucks, and it has touchpad for webshit like Jira that can't be driven through Vimium and other keyboard maneuvers.

I mistreat it heavily, like dust, crumbs, drool and so on, and still I'm on only the second one. It weighs little so it's easy to put in the lap and move around to get some ergonomics for the wrists going even though the touchpad part sticks out on the right hand side.

Can I push four keys at the same time and get something out of it? Probably not, but it's not something I feel like I'm missing out on. I push a key, it sends the bytes, the operating system does what I told it to, that's good enough for me. In case I break it I'll be like 'yeah whatever' and order a new one. It's cheap enough that I could have like four for the price of something cool.

On “field trips” where laptop is too much and just the iphone is too little, I have been pairing my ipad with a k380 for the last 200 years and cannot complain much. The only warning I get is that k380 causes some kind of interference with the apple pencil and other bluetooth connected devices. Can’t precise exactly how much though.

> k380

Logitech k380? Jesus Christ those round keys are ugly as unemployment.

Don’t look at them. Touch typing is the only true way.

Logitech!

Love-hate relationship with their products.

I have M570 trackball and it's perfect for me and i love it.

Only problem -- the switch on it fails in one year and starts doubleclicking like crazy.

(I am aware of DIY fixes to replace the switch that needs desoldering and soldering)

Accumulated six useless M570 trackballs in past six years. I hate that.

They are waiting for me to find enough time and motivation to attempt the DIY fix. Maybe after I retire in a few decades.

I'm stuck in the same relationship with them: MX Master 3s/4 is my perfect productivity mouse. Problem? The rubber coating gradually disintegrates and accumulates dirt. ERGO K860 is my perfect keyboard. Problem? The plastic ABS surface of the keys wears and smooths in just a few months. The first set of AAA batteries have a far longer life!

If only they didn't cheap out on the materials and plastic quality.

Same here, seems like everyone has forgotten how to make rubber products; my 10yr thinkpad is a mix of brittle and going-gooey on different parts. I'm on my second MX Anywhere

I use 5-min epoxy and a toothpick to rebuild the nubs when they wear off. Keyboards don't last long if you have calluses

I have an ergo for two years, used eight hours most days, and apart from the space bar the keys still look good. Do you by chance have quite sweaty/greasy fingers or eat while typing? I can't see any other reason why the keys would wear that quickly.

Yeah simplest explanation might be my nails being abrasive and whatever grease is on my fingers. That's with 35h a week usage and no eating while typing. Not had this issue with other decent quality mice and keyboards though.

I have the same trackball, and did end up having to change the switches after a year. They need changing again, I should stock up on them in the hopes of having something that works for a while.

Didn't you look at the mx trackball? I've had one for ages [0], and it still goes strong. The only annoyance is that I regularly have to clean its base, or a bunch of grime accumulates.

---

[0] I don't remember when I bought it exactly, but I'm sure it was before covid because I remember having it delivered at my old office with a bunch of other mice to test. I moved to a new office in 2020.

Get a soldering iron and fix! I did. It’s sort of fun in a way. Shouldn’t have to do it, sure, but it saves you buying more and more. You could fix the fleet!

I think the title really should be, "Smartphone keyboards are so bad I carry a physical keyboard with me"

I think the main complaint is with virtual Qwerty keyboards rather than the idea of virtual keyboards overall. If the KeyBee keyboard had a control key it would be very good. (Well, the fork of it that allows extra-alphabetical custom keys along the top, anyway.)

_iPhone_ keyboards. Android is great.

That's not the only reason. On-screen keyboards take up valuable screen space.

I originally got a Nuphy Air 75 slim mechanical kb to lug around to school, since the iMacs we had there had horrible cheap kbs. It has since surpassed a full sized mechanical as my primary kb. Occasionally on weekend trips, when I wanted to get some stuff done, I've opted to only take the Air 75 instead of a laptop and worked on the phone, either in notes, cloud or termux. Sometimes I've thought about getting a neck holder for the phone to improve ergonomics, but so far the wacky image of using one in public has deterred me from it.

I've recently bought a samsung galaxy tab s11.

I had some huawei tablet for reading before, but now the main goal was to be able to ssh/kubectl to remote machines and for quick surfing, chats, etc (my new laptop is heavy).

I was trying to find a case + keyboard with good reviews, no luck then, I didn't think it was possible, I've found out that you can use an apple magic keyboard with it and I had a spare one, so I have a case and a bluetooth magic keyboard.

The keyboard, comparing to anything that is sold for tablets is amazing, laptop experience.

I'm not sure if this is possible for Apple devices, but with my GrapheneOS Pixel 8 I can use a Dell Monitor with integrated USB-C dock to connect and show the screen as well as supplying power and adding USB devices (like keyboard, mouse, etc.).

I also own a little Ugreen USB-C dock (Revodock?!) that also enables connecting regular USB-A Keyboards (even wireless ones) as well as HDMI - so maybe this is more flexible in terms of which keyboard you like and which screen is available.

Next step is to get a foldable keyboard: Action is selling one for 6 eur or go fancy with IC bk-05s). Fits in a jacket pocket and with some getting used is almost as good

Lots here: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=plugable+folding+keyboa...

I've noticed the same thing with writing on smaller screens too: shorter paragraphs, less overthinking, and a lower psychological barrier to starting

Smaller screens can help, but can be counteracted by fast typing. Impt to be mindful of both.

Stalled project: I ordered a replacement keyboard for an Alienware gaming laptop, one that has Cherry MX ULP ultralow profile switches. Very very nice. Then I was going to butcher it into a triptych – cut it in three parts – and bodge a RP2350 controller on each. And figure out some kind of case-something. Tadaa! Actual keyboard – real keyboard – that's actually portable.

There are lots of DIY keyboards that use Kailh choc switches.

They're not as low as Cherry MX ULP, but I bet they feel better to type on.

I expect to better be able to port the Cherry MX ULP board and choose to call it portable

I don't understand the various Mac references... Is he comparing a phone to someone with a laptop or even desktop (and Apple in particular)?

Yes. He's noting that people with Macs can engage in message exchanges on their Macs. Like I get a message from someone on my phone and if it merits a more considered response I wake my Mac and reply from there.

Obviously other platforms have various integrations with messaging as well, but he obviously is referring to people he knows who happen to have Macs.

Yes was going to say on android I've been using SMS and WhatsApp messages from my computer for years too. Mac, Linux, Windows, Chromebooks all integrate seamlessly and nicely so not sure what the issue is?

Moreover, it's largely irrelevant - the topic of the article was using a keyboard without having to drag around a laptop/desktop. If someone replied to a text on their MacBook, they'd have broken that constraint

I honestly do not understand why people get weirdly defensive about stuff like this. Guy offhanded commented on some Mac friends and weird other platform users have to get angry and huffy.

The "topic of the article" was that a guy realized that a bluetooth keyboard makes it nicer typing things on his phone. Nowhere did he talking about "without having to drag around" anything, and he incidentally mentioned that he didn't bring a computer.

It is utterly bizarre that people get unhinged and mad that he mentioned Macs. But let's be real - for Mac users, integration with messages is free and automatic. For other platforms it simply isn't, and the vast majority of time isn't used at all. If someone is messaging from a computer (on iMessages, SMS, MMS, and now RCS), 99% of the time it's going to be a guy sitting at a Mac just as a lubrication of use.

So the next time some random tosser article doesn't mention your pet love, maybe just move on?

> I honestly do not understand why people get weirdly defensive about stuff like this

It is usually because people inside the Mac ecosystem just assume that everything else is trash, and anyone not using a Mac is just banging rocks together.

They buy totally into the marketing about it being "the first ever", the "fastest ever", "for the first time" or "most <whatever superlative> ever" etc marketing, and many have not used e.g. and Android phone or e.g. a Chromebook or whatever, in many many years (if at all) and are basing their opinions on half-remembered Windows XP experiences Vs modern iPhone or whatever, assuming the current non-mac experience is still like "the old days" and that macs are somehow bringing something new or innovative that isn't available elsehwere. There is the term "reality distortion field" relating to apple products that I did not invent but I think sums it up.

I am forced to use a Mac for work everyday (alongside gnome Linux, and my personal choice is windows and Chromebook) and really dislike the user experience of Macs in comparison. The recent UX failures and inconsistencies are already well-documented but even before that there are systemic design things that make macs painful to use... especially if you know there are better ways. The hardware is nice though!

let's be real, you're the only unhinged and mad person here...

Moreover, no one asked for them to mention our "pet love", or anything at all. Just a clarification of what the Mac reference was about, then a comment that it made no sense whatsoever, because it's available on all devices and, again, isn't even relevant because someone with a full device is necessarily not using a Bluetooth keyboard.

Howler. Keep up the defensive, insecure screeds. It's absolutely hilarious.

My main driver is macOS + Android, and I certainly wouldn't say Android SMS is "seamless", Google Messages for web is a pretty significant downgrade from a native app even if using an unofficial desktop app: https://github.com/OrangeDrangon/android-messages-desktop

That's nice, never heard of anyone using a keyboard for a phone. I use it for for my mac though and I can't imagine my life now without it, each typing feels liberating. Although, mac's keyboard is not bad either, it's just different. You basically can't get tired when typing mac's one because it doesn't require any effort clicking actually buttons.

Android allows both keyboards and mice, either via USB On The Go adaptors, or Bluetooth.

I'm so confused by the picture. He's looking at a tiny phone screen when there's a proper display right next to him.

Yes, it can be confusing if you don’t read the article. He said he went on a 10 day trip and didn’t take a computer. That is context for why he got a Bluetooth keyboard. I doubt he decided to bring a monitor on the trip.

Android now has a desktop mode on phones like the Pixel that support HDMI out on the USB-C port

As do modern iPhones

Really? All I get on my iPhone 16 Plus is mirroring of the screen. Unless it is a feature of iOS 26, that I refuse to install on my iDevices.

I’m planning to take an iPad air on a trip and thought about getting a bluetooth keyboard too.

What do people generally recommend for travel?

I don’t plan to use it for extensive periods of times, mainly writing some emails/docs/notes in the hotel room.

For that use case I'd probably optimize less for "best keyboard" and more for "least annoying thing to pack and set up"

Logitech k380- small and flat for packability, not too expensive, reasonably good to type on. It’s no mechanical keyboard though.

Logitech K480 is my favorite. Its best feature is a slot. Put your iPad in it and it stays put. Even on a lap or bed or other unstable surfaces. And it's only $30. Meaning there's no worry if it breaks or is stolen on a trip.

Another thing I like about it is how wide the slot is. I can fit my iPad and iPhone into it simultaneously. Which is quite convenient at times

Backlit keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/TECURS-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Mouse-Combo...

Look what they have at Walmart now :)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Macally-Multi-Device-Bluetooth-Ke...

I've got one of these, which has the slot above the "F" keys to support your phone and/or tablet at a good viewing angle. For better or worse the 2 lb. keyboard is heavily weighted so it will support the devices in the slot without tipping over.

And you can switch between 3 devices from the keyboard, which can also include a Bluetooth desktop.

Too heavy to carry around so it stays in the office.

There are plenty of lightweight options for much cheaper prices which can be better for travel, which are also just as big as a tablet but at least not nearly as heavy.

Wait until you get a Bluetooth mouse which can put your touchscreen to shame :)

These mice are also much more abundant for cheaper prices now, when they were not that common just a year or two ago.

Also good for your laptop when you want to save USB slots for other things.

My iPad travel setups, from least-portable/most-functional to most-portable/least-functional:

1. iPad Air with iPad Magic Keyboard. 2. iPad Air with Smart Keyboard Folio. 3. iPad Mini (usually in portrait mode) with Magic Keyboard. (The mac bluetooth keyboard, no numpad. I use an sfbags sleeve for it.)

Logitech k480. I carry it everywhere. Has a three way switch, iPhone, iPad and Mac. Only problem is it interferes with headphones/wifi somehow. Mac cries piteously when the k480 connects.

> k480

Logitech k480? Oh my god and it even has round keys!

I also like my K480, and got a couple for friends as well. One failed suddenly, and on opening the flat-flex had just come out of its socket. I like the sturdy rubberized channel for putting phones and tablets in. They hold in securely enough to carry it around the house and not have the tablet falling out.

K380 is the non-stand version. It got me into low-profile keyboards. Even spent a while on my desk full time.

Other pluses: rearrangeable keys (dvorak), runs on AAA batteries.

The legends eventually fail, and the keys take a shine.

I’ve had both - the 380 is much lighter to carry around than the 480.

I wouldn't recommend either though, for both, the keys are not nice to type on if you don’t press perfectly downward, if you have any angle other than vertical, the keys occasionally bind a little. This is amplified on the 480 with longer key travel. They’re different types of key mechanisms on both but suffer the same problem.

If you have any kind of case, the 480 stand slot can be harder to use.

Why not use ‘Voice to text’ to type? Then you don’t need to carry a keyboard, look for a table to place it, and also hunt for a Clorox container to lean your phone against.

My thoughts aren't always straightforward, and I personally find voice to text to require significant rework.

Not as bad as people who send voice notes.

keyboards remain the superior input when compared to basically anything. touch controls will never close the gap, voice control even worse - gimme them keys.

I've wished for a BlackBerry Bold 9900 form factor Bluetooth messaging device. Cheap and efficient messaging, though one extra thing to lug around.

Why didn't you take your laptop to China though?

Probably fear of it being rootkitted by the Chinese government

I have an Apple aluminum keyboard in my backpack all the time.

Very nice for note taking during meetings or emailing on train trips.

Or my favorite: writing outdoors.

Nice! I am going to China soon and can't wait to try it out! Navigating via keyboard shortcuts looks fun!

Does anybody know the specific keyboard make/model/type? Doesn't look like a foldable from the image?

OP mentions "Logitech Pop" at the end of the article.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/shop/p/pop-icon-keys.920-0130...

I have this specific keyboard, "POP Icon Keys" (not to be confused with "POP Keys"). It's fine. I can confirm that it doesn't fold and is not particularly compact.

I've always wanted a phone keyboard that folds yet still types reasonably well. Tried a few, hated them all.

The MS Universal Foldable KB is the best I tried. Indestructible and still quite easy to get.

Is there any keyboard with flat keys, no NumPad and full sized square up/down keys, that one can obtain ?

What you‘re looking for is called a low-profile TKL (tenkeyless aka. no numpad) keyboard. You might also like a 65%, which removes even more keys but still retains the arrow keys.

Thanks, found this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/keyboards/comments/1rvjds0/low_prof...

This one looks great:

https://iqunix.com/products/mq80-aluminum-low-profile-mechan...

Now I only need a tripod to keep my phone at eye height. And a way to run Linux or VNC on my GrapheneOS phone.

Sounds a lot like my keychron k3 pro.

Is that you in the photo? You know, from the back, you kind of look like Conan O'Brien.

Another advantage is that a mistake on a keyboard is only a typo, whereas a fat finger on a touch screen can and will trigger almost anything. In spite of doing EVERYTHING to turn of "gestures", they persist, and my phones screen is an inadvertant landmine game where I always loose. Then there is the total impossibility of turning of the gyros and they overlayed the screen rotate on one edge of the keypad. Presumably this is partialy due to de~guggling the phone, but who knows anymore.

What I like about the picture is that the user could've plugged in their smartphone on that monitor and then have a decent screen. Now, one may argue I type blind. Then, why does the screen have to be on? Smartphone screen size is meant to be used from hands, not such a distance. Ie. I don't think this setup is ergonomic (eyes, RSI).

Nokia also had a foldable keyboard. Which I've used with Nokia N810 and Nokia E71 (good to compare with their native keyboards with device in hand). I think I brought mine to the bin because the comfort was terrible. The lack of travel and latency, for example (I believe this is better nowadays.) A 60% keyboard can be pretty small, too. With USB2BT+ you can turn any USB device into Bluetooth. Works OK with powerbank (you can DIY that with 18650 batteries).

I wouldn't use a high-end smartphone in China though. I'd bring a burner, and consider any hardware I brought with me compromised.

So perhaps that isn't the place to do digital notes, and just write analog in the most fucked up handwriting you got. If they OCR it, let them have some fun with their models. Of course, that may also mean you cannot apply OCR on ypur notes. But the latest Mistral OCR I tried was very good. As a European, -unfortunately- I'd apply the same rule to USA nowadays though.

All a man need is a keyboard, which is nice to type, makes asmr sound typing!

And a Clorox wipes container to lean the screen (phone) up against.

I suppose that perfect posture of the photo will disappear after a few minutes of use.

Maybe there exists some kind of selfie stick / tripod that allows you to place the phone at eye height?

This is actually a setup I might prefer over using a laptop.

It doesn't even look perfect - rounded shoulders, forward head, not much lumbar curve. Probably all inevitable when you have a tiny keyboard and screen is way too low.

Also, good posture in a chair is nearly impossible to have, let alone maintain. I've started working from the floor and sitting with my feet/legs in a variety of positions - immediate and immense improvement in my posture, overall mobility and reduction in pain.

Yes. Middle of ANY screen should be at eye level, including treadmill workspace.

When I was homeless I programmed a virtual machine with a custom architecture with my own instruction set, assembler and almost finished FORTH compiler - all using 10$ cheap BT keyboard with some cheap phone running termux...

It's a pain as most of those keyboard hijack some control keys - so it was all tmux and vim hehe

Also wrote some python live debugger/tracer but then python changed it bytcode again AND made JIT into mainline :(

All at the busy as fuck mall hehe

funny times

why does this community love such banal diary entries

I tasted heaven for a moment with Planet Computer's QWERTY phones. Now that those are gone, I despise text communications with the phones that don't have a real keyboard and just want to avoid it overall.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116085135394

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